Paul Lynch

Former Northampton Town Football Club captain Clarke Carlisle has admitted drink-driving two days before he attempted to take his own life, a court in London has heard.

The 35-year-old, who played for Cobblers between 2011 and 2013, appeared at London’s Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court today facing charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, failing to provide a sample and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence on December 20 last year.

He pleaded guilty to all three offences and will now be sentenced on Thursday, May 14.

On December 22, the former Professional Footballers’ Association chairman was hit by a lorry on the A64 just outside York and remained in intensive care throughout Christmas.

It later emerged that he had tried to take his own life.

Carlisle, who remained in a coma until mid-January and could be seen outside of court still bearing scars from the suicide attempt, has been banned from driving following his guilty plea.